Assault

If you are facing an assault charge in Michigan, you may benefit immensely from having a knowledgeable Detroit violent crime attorney on your side. With over 30 years of experience, you can rest assured that I will fight to protect your rights at every step of the way. A criminal conviction may follow you for the rest of your life, even if the charge seems relatively minor, so an assault charge should never be taken lightly. I take pride in being consistently accessible to my clients. When you call our office, you will speak to an attorney directly rather than being directed to a call center.

In Michigan, an assault may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specific situation. The most basic assault charge is known as simple assault, which takes place when an individual intentionally threatens or causes an injury to someone else. This type of assault is considered a misdemeanor and carries a potential penalty of up to 93 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.

Some assaults may be classified as aggravated assault. An assault is considered to be aggravated if any of the following conditions is present:

• A deadly weapon was used;
• The alleged victim was known to be a police officer, firefighter, teacher, or other public servant on duty at the time of the incident;
• The victim was targeted for their race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability;
• The accused allegedly had the intent to cause severe bodily harm or acted with reckless indifference for the victim’s life; or
• The victim suffered a severe, life-threatening injury or disfigurement as a result of the assault.

Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony and carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

A person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government has the burden of proving that the accused is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is the highest standard of proof in the law, and it often opens many opportunities to receive an acquittal, a dismissal, or a reduction in the level of the charge.

There are many arguments that you may be able to make if you are charged with assault. One defense that may be relevant is self-defense. For example, you may be able to use this defense if you can establish that you were defending yourself against an imminent unlawful force from someone else. You also would need to show that you used the degree of force that was reasonably necessary to thwart the attack. I can help you determine whether this defense or any other strategy may be applicable in your case after reviewing the specific facts of the incident that took place.

Michigan residents can come to my firm for assistance in determining their legal options and an honest assessment of their case. I strongly believe in providing representation that takes into account the details of each person’s situation and is tailored to their specific goals. I can assist people facing assault charges throughout the Detroit area as well as in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. Call or text (248) 310-3399 or contact us online to set up a free consultation. I also can help you if you need a homicide lawyer or if you have been charged with another type of violent crime.